📋 New Colombian squad unveiled! These are Néstor Lorenzo’s picks to contest the FIFA window in September/October. 💪… https://t.co/swHglIb5iI
Ready for a fresh face in La Tricolor? The Barranquilla‑born Matías Orozco and Samario striker Camilo Durán headline Colombia’s new era. The CD Castellón midfielder and Celtic forward have earned their first call‑up in Néstor Lorenzo’s 25‑man list for friendlies against Mexico, Paraguay and Peru.
That squad marks the first after the 2026 World Cup and follows James Rodríguez’s retirement. The veteran bowed out on Tuesday, closing a 15‑year, 131‑cap, 31‑goal saga with the national team.
The Orozco‑Durán duo signals an early tilt toward untested talent. Alongside them, names like Daniel Arcila, Eddier Ocampo, Kevin Andrade, Royer Caicedo, Samuel Velásquez, Kevin Viveros, Óscar Perea and Juan Manuel Rengifo vie for spots. For my money, Lorenzo’s gamble on youth could revitalize the side.
Only ten World Cup veterans remain: Álvaro Montero, Daniel Muñoz, Dávinson Sánchez, Jhon Lucumí, Gustavo Puerta, Jaminton Campaz, Jhon Arias, Kevin Castaño, Carlos Andrés Gómez and Luis Javier Suárez.
The roster totals 25, with just two domestic‑based players—Samuel Velásquez and Juan Manuel Rengifo of Atlético Nacional. It blends seasoned La Amarilla figures with fresh options eyeing future roles. The goal now is to build the squad that will chase the 2030 World Cup.
Beyond Orozco and Durán, the list adds two more Caribbean representatives: goalkeeper Álvaro Montero of Boca Juniors and forward Luis Javier Suárez of Sporting Lisbon. Four players from the coast will contest this first post‑World Cup FIFA date.
🎥 Watch coach Néstor Lorenzo’s press conference live now from the FCF headquarters! 👔🎙️⚽ https://t.co/c26PAJ7MwU
Luis Díaz’s absence looms large. The Bayern Munich forward and key national team figure sits out the upcoming matches after an agreement among the Colombian federation, the player and the German club.
Other regulars also miss the cut, underscoring Lorenzo’s intent to test alternatives post‑World Cup. James’s farewell and Díaz’s omission thrust a younger generation into the spotlight, demanding responsibilities once shouldered by veterans.
Colombia meets Mexico in Baltimore on September 26, Paraguay on October 2 and Peru on October 6. Those three fixtures open a chapter that has only just begun.
Goalkeepers: Álvaro Montero (Boca Juniors - ARG), Aldair Quintana (Independiente del Valle - ECU), Kevin Mier (Cruz Azul - MEX).
Defenders: Álvaro Angulo (Pumas - MEX), Daniel Muñoz (Nottingham Forest - ENG), Dávinson Sánchez (Galatasaray - TUR), Eddier Ocampo (Vancouver Whitecaps - USA), Jhon Lucumí (Juventus - ITA), Kevin Andrade (FC Zenit - RUS), Royer Caicedo (Círculo Brujas - BEL), Samuel Velásquez (Atlético Nacional - COL).
Midfielders: Daniel Arcila (Club León - MEX), Gustavo Puerta (Olympiakos - GRE), Jaminton Campaz (Rosario Central - ARG), Jhon Arias (Palmeiras - BRA), Jhon Solís (Birmingham - ENG), Juan Manuel Rengifo (Atlético Nacional - COL), Kevin Castaño (Atlético Mineiro - BRA), Matías Orozco (CD Castellón), Yáser Asprilla (Girona - ESP).
Forwards: Carlos Andrés Gómez (Vasco da Gama - BRA), Camilo Durán (Celtic - SCO), Kevin Viveros (Athletico Paranaense - BRA), Luis Javier Suárez (Sporting Lisbon - POR), Óscar Perea (Club América - MEX). Will these attackers shape Colombia’s path to 2030?